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New York Experience Portfolio
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Part 1: How Have I Experienced NYC so Far? |
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Part 2A: Me, NYC & Art |
9-24 |
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Part 2b: Me, NYC & Environment |
25-48 |
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Part 2c: Me, NYC & History |
49-64 |
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| 51- 63 |
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Part 2d: Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture |
65-76 |
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| 78-79 |
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Research Presentation |
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How to create a Good Presentation |
81-83 |
Possible Research Topics for All Categories |
84-88 |
Cover Letter |
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What Should be in your Cover Letter? |
89 |
Me & NYC
The New York Experience Portfolio
Pursuing a high school education in New York City limited by the walls of a building would be to lose sight of the vast learning experiences waiting outside of those walls. Therefore, it has been the effort of Landmark High School to establish a New York Experience curriculum that explores the meaningful and relevant learning opportunities the city has to offer. Throughout this schools history, the goal of the New York Experience curriculum has been twofold: First, to foster a sense of trust and community within each advisory; and second, to develop an understanding and appreciation of the cultural and historical richness of the incredible city in which we live. It is both the enormous depth and breadth of this richness that we wish to explore with the current New York Experience curriculum. The curriculum is academically meaningful, leading to the completion of a Graduation Portfolio, and relevant, reflecting the tremendous variety of experiences that coexist in New York City.
We live in a city that has been home to artists ranging from Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol; musicians from Wynton Marsalis to Fifty Cent (or Itzhak Perlman to Joey Ramone); films with depictions that range from Do the Right Thing to Annie Hall; architecture from gothic to art deco; from The Cloisters medieval history to Sony Wonders latest technology. Given the incredible variety of experiences New York City has to offer, it is vital that the New York Experience Curriculum reflects a similar variety of activities and opportunities for learning.
NYC Experience Portfolio Outline
Cover Letter
Include a piece of writing that briefly introduces yourself to the reader and explains what the reader will see in your portfolio and how and why these topics connect (for example: Why did you choose to write about those particular field trips?).
This can be about a page. While this is the first part of the portfolio it should be written last.
Part 1: How you have experienced New York City so far in your life?:
Include a piece of writing that explores some of your ideas and what youve learned and understood about your neighborhood and where you live.
This should be 1-2 pages.
Lastly, include what you learned, felt, understood, questioned, etc. about this place and/ or category after your field trips. Why was this trip interesting? How did your ideas change after going on this trip?
Each category should be about 2-4 paragraphs of writing (information presented from this section should almost entirely come from field trip notes and field trip handouts.
Part 3: The short research Presentation: What do I want to know more about?
Research a specific topic of interest to you from one of the categories (Art, Architecture and Landmarks, Environment, History, Film) and prepare a presentation about this topic.
(This will be presented to your advisor, ninth graders from another advisory, and possibly some other guests)
Part 4:The Conclusion (part of Cover Letter?)
Include a conclusion for your entire portfolio by discussing in writing:
What have I learned about NYC from these trips? What kinds of activities and places seem interesting to me now in NYC? What are questions I have left? etc.
This can be 1-2 paragraphs
How Have I Experienced New York City so Far?
Teacher Notes: Neighborhood Map
Neighborhood Map Handout
Neighborhood Writing Prompts
Working with my Free-Write Drafts Handout
Peer Response for Neighborhood writing Handout
| End of Unit Portfolio Goal: v Part 1: How you have experienced New York City so far in your life?:
|
Teacher Notes for Neighborhood Map Activity
Directions for the Teacher:
For some students, making a visual of their neighborhood map will help them when they start writing about their neighborhood. This is no longer a requirement for the portfolio.
The following page is a handout for students to begin work on their neighborhood map. Its a good idea for the teacher to model the making of his or her own map first on the chalkboard or overhead.
1. Draw the streets around your apartment/ building/ house.
2. Add in a few other things near your residence and comment on why you put them there (example: This is a bakery where I always buy bread) Dont dwell too much on this, it isnt the most interesting part..
3. The go into the other spots in any order you like This is where the garbage piles up and I never walk past here because it smells like rotten foodThis is where I start my jog because there is a good viewThis is a memory spot because etc.
(You should think ahead of time about what you are going to draw so you have some interesting anecdotes or ideas to go with you map)
Materials &Notes:
Have 8 x11 computer paper available.
If you have rulers and colored pencils, bring them out! If not, have something else handy the students can use as a straight edge.
(How Have You Experienced New York City so far in Your Life?)
We learn a great deal from the places in which we live and grow up. We walk past people and places in our neighborhood and sometimes they affect us and sometimes we dont give them a second thought. Take some time to develop your personalized map of your neighborhood.
Make it more than just a bunch of streets!
With a ruler, pencil and blank sheet of paper draw a street map of your neighborhood. It should include roughly a two-block radius around your apartment/ building/house.
Once you have drawn in the streets and labeled them, add in stores, restaurants, buildings, parks, parking lots, schools or other things located on the area of your map that stand out to you.
Now make the neighborhood yours! Add in and label some of the following:
Spots with a significant smell
Spots with a significant taste
Spots with a significant sight
Spots with a significant sound
Places where significant friends or relatives live
Places that hold a special memory
Places that are dangerous or scary spots
Places that you frequent regularly (subway stop, particular store, court where you play basketball, etc.)
Places that seem artistic or hold beauty to you
Places that have historical meaning to you or the neighborhood
Other ideas?
Notes:
When labeling your spots, dont put something generic like smell spot. Label what it is like Greasy but delicious smell of Rays pizza
Try to be neat with your handwriting so you can add in more!
Writing Around My Neighborhood
(How Have You Experienced New York City Thus far in Your Life?)
Teachers, give students a chance to write about what they know and what they feel about their neighborhood. These should be guided free-writes, meaning that getting ideas down on the paper is more important than grammar and spelling.
| Writing Around My Neighborhood: Guided free-write # 1 Sometimes we gloss over important aspects of or lives, because we are so busy or caught up in daily routines and stresses. Now you have a chance to describe a part of your life and then be thoughtful about it. Try to write quietly for at least 10 minutes without stopping, just let all the ideas in your brain pour out! Look at the neighborhood map you created. What is one memory or story that involves one of your memory spots This memory could involve any kinds of emotion, happy, sad scary, etc. What happened at that time? What was that day like? What were you thinking and feeling at that time? What do you think and feel about this memory now? Did this memory affect the way you see you neighborhood? |
| Writing Around My Neighborhood: Guided free-write # 2 Try to write quietly for at least 10 minutes without stopping, just let all the ideas in your brain pour out! Dont worry all the questions, just use the ones that help your ideas get out. Look at the neighborhood map you created. If a friend or relative your age, who had never been to your neighborhood arrived, what would they see, feel, smell, taste and experience. -- If you were explaining your neighborhood, what else would you want them to know? What information should they understand? What places should they experience? What people do you think they should meet? What would they only know if they had you as their guide? What things would you not share with them? What questions would you ask them? |
| Writing Around My Neighborhood: Guided free-write # 3 Try to write quietly for at least 10 minutes without stopping, just let all the ideas in your brain pour out! Dont worry about all the questions, just use the ones that seem helpful. Who is a person who makes you neighborhood special? This could be a mean character you see on the streets, a nice older person who always sits on their stoop, a particular neighborhood friend you always hang out with, etc. What is one story, memory or interaction that stand out to you involving this person? Feel free to include deals about what the day was like, what they look like and sounds like, what dialogue you may have exchanged with that person etc. What questions do you have in your mind about this person? How did you feel about them then and now? How is he/s he unique in your neighborhood? |
Working with my Free-Write Drafts:
Writing Around My Neighborhood
Here is your chance to let your story become more alive! You can let the reader get to know you, understand your ideas and imagine what a certain moment was like.
Sometimes we gloss over important aspects of or lives, because we are so busy or caught up in daily routines and stresses. Now you have a chance to honor your own words by sculpting and polishing your free-writes into a more complete written work.
Writing can be arranged in an infinite amount of ways. However, we are going to work with the following pieces that we will weave together.
Step 1: Choosing
Look through your neighborhood free-writes and choose the one that feels most important to you, the one you have the strongest feelings about.
Step 2: Imagine, Explore Your Memory & Describe
At the beginning describe the event, experience or story by showing us rather than telling us what happened. Consider using:
Step 3: (Thoughts and Feelings you had THEN)*
Feelings: What were you feeling at the time?
Thoughts and Questions: What questions and thoughts were going through your mind. What were you wondering about at that time?
Step 4: (Thoughts and Feelings you have NOW)*
What do you realize and/ or understand now?
If you could relive part of this experience is there anything that you would do over?
What have you learned about yourself or your life through this experience or aspect of your life? How have you changed because of this experience
* (If you are revising free-write # 2, basically you just want to explore here a bit how your feelings and ideas about your neighborhood have changed)
Peer Response For 2nd Draft of Neighborhood Writing Pieces
Authors Name:__________________ Peer Responder:________________
Give energy to your friends paper! Help your classmates be great writers!
This section includes:
Initial Thoughts Handout
Generic Field Trip Form
Specific Field Trip Forms
Portfolio Page Assignment Guide
Do this before your first Art trip
At the beginning of the year:
Living in New York City, what art do you see/experience around you? _______________
Why do you consider these things art? ______________________________________
How would life be different if art did not exist? _________________________________
1. The destination of the art exhibit / piece is _______________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
2. The name of the art exhibit(s) / piece(s) is ________________________________
3. The exhibit / piece was created by __________________________, who is from
_________in ____________ or during (time period) ________________________.
4. How is this art piece related to your studies at Landmark High School? Did you come across this topic in your classes?
5. Describe the art piece / exhibit which you are viewing in your own words:
a) What form is it (statue, painting, mural, photo, etc) _____________________
b) What are you looking at exactly? Describe what you see in front of you.
6. What feelings does this art piece / exhibit bring up when you look at it?
Directions: Take 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk 3 blocks west to Fifth Avenue
List three pieces that prove that ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society provide specific names and give a description of the pieces you are viewing. (polytheistic means believing in more than one god/ goddess)
Find two pieces that show how the ancient Egyptians were a River Valley culture how did they use the river?
Ancient Egyptian culture is described as a very technological and sophisticated (refined and highly complex) society. Looking at the art and artifacts do you agree or disagree? List specific pieces and explain your answer (3-4 sentences).
What is the most impressive piece in the Egyptian collection that you are viewing? WHY?
Using your notes from the Friday trip, write about what you learned about ancient Egypt. Some topics are:
Religion of the Ancient Egyptians
Social Structure of the Ancient Egyptians
Living in Ancient Egyptian times
Art of the Ancient Egyptians
Me, NYC, & Art
Cloisters Fieldtrip Form
Directions: Take the mid-train A uptown to 190th St. and the elevator to the street. Turn right on the street when you get out and walk through the park and uphill to the Cloisters. There are signs.
Before you go:
Name ____________________________________ Date ________________
Have you ever been to The Cloisters or Fort Tryon Park before? YES / NO
What do you expect to see? ________________________________
Why/how is this place important or significant to NYC? ______________________
_______________________________________________
On the trip: Get a floor-plan brochure from the front desk so you know where to go.
What is a cloister?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
What purpose does a cloister have or did it have originally? ____________________
_______________________________________________
The Cloisters is a museum dedicated to medieval Europe. List 5 countries that are represented here. ____________________________________________________________________
What is the earliest date you can find? _______________________________________
What is the latest/most recent date you can find? _______________________________
Go look at the main Cuxa cloister in the center and the St. Guilhem cloister. If it is not open, look at the picture. In what 2 ways are they similar?
In what 2 ways are they different?
Find the 6 large unicorn tapestries. Give a brief description in your own words of the story the tapestries are telling.
What shoes are the people wearing in the tapestries? ___________________________
Where are these tapestries from? __________________________________________
What is one thing you like about them? _____________________________________
What is one thing you think is weird about them? _____________________________
________________________________________________
Who are the 9 heroes in the room of the 9 heroes? ______________________________
How are they represented as heroic? _________________________________________
Go down to the lower level. What is one unique thing about:
a) the Trie cloister _______________________________________________________
b) the Bonnefort cloister __________________________________________________
How many different kinds of columns are there in the Trie cloister? Describe them:
Take a picture of one of the cloisters and label it here:
Who owns the Cloisters? _____________________________
Who designed them? ________________________________
After the trip:
Describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something about an aspect of art which was new to you. Possible ideas to use are: time periods, countries or regions, architecture form and function, art forms (painting, sculpture, tapestries), religion, myths or use your own idea.
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about this structure:
On my trip to _____________I realized/learned some things about art in New York City. I learned _____________, _____________, and _____________, which all relate to (chosen aspect). These facts made me think _____________. I also felt _____________ about this aspect of art because _____________. Keep going!
Me, NYC, & Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art Fieldtrip Form for Modern Art
Directions: Take the N/R train uptown to Lexington. Transfer to the 4,5,or 6 train uptown to 86th St. Walk west to Fifth Ave. and south to 82nd St. The group entrance is on the south side of the building (about 80th St.) walking into Central Park.
Before you go:
Name______________________________________ Date______________
What do you think of when you hear the term Modern Art? ______________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Describe at least one piece of modern art that you have seen. ______________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What do you know about Pablo Picasso and/or his art? ___________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
On the trip: Go to the Modern Art section of the museum
Find at least four pieces of art by Pablo Picasso and state the title, when it was made, and where it was made.
TITLE WHEN WHERE
1. ______________________ ___________ _________________
2. ______________________ ___________ _________________
3. ______________________ ___________ _________________
4. ______________________ ___________ _________________
Choose the piece of art (from the above list: ___________________) that you either like the most or the least, and respond to the following:
Briefly describe the painting:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
How do you relate to the painting?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Similar art:
ARTIST TITLE WHEN WHERE
a)_______________ _______________ __________ __________________
b)_______________ _______________ __________ __________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ARTIST TITLE WHEN WHERE
________________ ________________ _________ __________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
After the trip:
One way of understanding art is as a form of communication between the artist and the people who look at the art. Choose one of the paintings that you have seen and describe what you think Picasso was trying to tell you about both the subject of the painting and about himself? One way to answer this is to start by describing what thoughts and emotions you felt as you looked at the art and then whether you think these thoughts and emotions are what Picasso hoped people who saw his art would think or feel.
Me, NYC, & Art
Before you go:
What do you think is the purpose of art? Why do artist create it? Why do people lie to experience/ see it?
What are some general guidelines you think a person should follow in an art gallery in general?
On the Trip:
Examine and explore one exhibit that seems interesting to you, what emotions do you think it is trying to give the viewer? Explain.
Name of exhibit: name of artist:
Approach one exhibit that seems very visual to you. Do a sketch of it here below
Name of exhibit: name of artist:
Name of exhibit: name of artist:
Name of exhibit: name of artist:
The Creation:
| Me: |
| The Creation: |
| Me: |
| The Creation: |
At the end of your trip: If you asked ACE Art Gallery what the purpose of art is, what do you think they might say? How has your ideas about are changed or been affected?
Me, NYC & Art
THE POINT and BAAD (Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance)
| THE POINT CDC 940 Garrison Avenue Bronx, NY 10474 (718) 542-4139 |
Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance 841 Barreto Street, 2nd Floor Bronx, NY 10474 (718) 842-5223 |

By Subway: Take the 6 train to Hunts Point Avenue. Walk under the Bruckner Expressway (right in front of you when you exit the train station onto Hunts Point Avenue) and make a right turn at the first light onto Garrison Avenue. THE POINT is on the corner of Garrison and Manida Street (the first street on your left walking on Garrison). BAAD is on Barretto Street, the second street on your left walking on Garrison, between Garrison and Lafayette.
Before you go:
Name: ______________________ Date: ______________________
Weather: ______________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you already know about the history of Hip Hop?
What do you already know about New York Latin music
On the trip: Note: If you have a camera, take pictures of this structure
Where are you as you write this?_____________________________________________
Name as many musical (or dance) styles as you can that were invented or personalized in the Bronx:
Who were the Mambo Kings?_______________________________________________
What were three of the main dance clubs from the 1940s to the 1960s?______________
________________________________________________________________________
What are the names of some South Bronx neighborhoods?_________________________
After the trip:
Choose one aspect from the Art list below, and describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something new about it. Possible ideas are:
location
invention of a new style
originality
many cultures mixing together
cultural history (the history of a people)
| See this website for background information: |
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about (but do not copy) this structure:
On my trip to ____________________ I realized/learned some things
about the Bronx and its role in music history. I learned about ____________
, ______________ , and __________________ , which
all relate to (chosen aspect). Learning about these new things made me
think ____________________________________ . I thought ___________
was interesting because ______________________________ .
Portfolio Page Assignment Guide
1. Write an introduction about your feelings and thoughts about the relationship between NYC and art based on your responses to the questions above from the beginning of the year before you went on any trips. Look through your Initial Thoughts assignment to help you. You should address the following questions:
What do you think art is? What kinds of art are there? What is the role of art in our lives? What is the role of New York City in the art world?
2. Choose one fieldtrip that you went on that was related to art in some way.
From your art fieldtrip assignment form, include:
A. A description of the trip: We went to destination on date. I had/had not been there before. Before I went, I thought it would be expectations. I thought destination was related to the idea of NYC art because predictions. I thought it was important to NYC because significance. One/some of the artist(s) involved were ______. One/some of the pieces of art were called ______.
B. A reflection on your understanding of the relationship between NYC and art: It must include a description of what you saw and experienced on your trip and what you learned from that. Use your fieldtrip assignment form to help you.
C. Labeled photos from your trip or related images: Describe why you included them.
3. Write a conclusion explaining how your thoughts or ideas about NYC and art have changed or developed since the beginning of your 9th grade year. Look over all your art fieldtrip forms to help you write a general conclusion for this section . You should address the following questions:
What new forms or types of art have you experienced through the year(s) of fieldtrips you have taken? How have your ideas about art changed? Is there anything that you now think of as art that you didnt think was art before why or why not?
Part 2b - Me, NYC & Environment
This Section Includes:
Initial Thoughts Handout
Generic Field Trip Form
Portfolio Page Assignment Guide
Do this before your first Environment trip
At the beginning of the year:
When you think of the New York City Environment, what comes to mind?
When you move around New York City from home to school and back or on Friday field trips, what parts of the environment do you experience?
What problems does NYCs environment have?
What are some things that people do to take care of their environments?
Me, NYC & Environment
Before you go:
Name _________________________________ Date _________________
When you think of the New York City Environment, what comes to mind?
Season: ______________________________________________________________
Weather: _____________________________________________________________
Destination ___________________________________________________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you expect to see?
Predict what this place has to do with the idea of Environment?
Why/how is this place important or significant to NYC?
On the trip:
Where are you? INDOORS / OUTDOORS - Stand in a central spot, and turn around in a circle. Describe what you see as you turn all the way around.
How are you learning about or experiencing the environment on this trip?
State three facts that you learned:
If you have a camera, take two pictures, from two different perspectives, of things you find on your trip. You can do a close-up, a shot looking down on something, a picture from underneath, one from far away, or whatever. Label your pictures here:
After the trip: - Choose one aspect from the Environment list below, and describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something about that aspect of the environment which was new to you. Possible ideas to use are: Physical setting, Wildlife, Plants, Animals, Natural history, Public health, Conservation, Pollution, Recycling, , Limited resources, Parks, Reserves or use your own idea.
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about this structure:
On my trip to _____________I realized/learned some things about my environment in New York City. I learned _____________, _____________, and _____________, which all relate to (chosen aspect). These facts made me think _____________. I also felt _____________ about this aspect of the environment because _____________.
Me, NYC, & Environment
Central Park Belvedere Castle Fieldtrip Form
Directions: Walk north up the west side of the park (on the side or through the Ramble) to Belvedere Castle. Or take the B or C train to 81st St. and walk into the park there. Nature Center inside.
Before you go:
Name _________________________________ Date _________________
When you think of the New York City Environment, what comes to mind?
Season: _________________________ Weather: ________________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you expect to see?
Predict what this place has to do with the idea of Environment?
Why/how is this place important or significant to NYC?
On the trip: While you are walking and around Belvedere Castle, use your Colors of Fall leaf guide to collect and identify at least 6 of the 12 leaves on the card. Keep them in an envelope. Take a picture of yourself with one of the leaves, the leaf card, and the tree that it came from.
(Outside) What is inside Belvedere Tower? ____________________________________
(Inside) What kinds of birds are there on the birding tree upstairs in the castle?
Find the weather station computer. Record the weather details.
(In the Woods and Water Discovery Room) Use the Deciduous Trees of the Ramble flowchart to find the Latin name of one of the leaves you found.
Look through the telescope. Draw what you see.
Check out the living and previously living things on display. Pick one and draw it below:
What organization runs the Nature Center at Belvedere Castle? ____________________
What are 2 other things that this organization does?
After the trip:
Choose one aspect from the Environment list below, and describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something about that aspect of the environment which was new to you. Possible ideas to use are: Physical setting, Wildlife, Plants, Animals, Natural history, Public health, Conservation, Money or economics, Pollution, Recycling, Sanitation, Limited resources, Parks, Reserves or use your own idea.
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about this structure:
On my trip to _____________I realized/learned some things about my environment in New York City. I learned _____________, _____________, and _____________, which all relate to (chosen aspect). These facts made me think _____________. I also felt _____________ about this aspect of the environment because _____________.
Me, NYC, & Environment
Bronx Zoo Fieldtrip Form
Directions: Take the 2 to East Tremont Av. Go down the stairs to Boston Rd. and walk straight (North, pass 179th pass 180th) 3 blocks to the Zoo. Enter at the Asia Gate.
Before you go:
Name _________________________________ Date _________________
When you think of the New York City Environment, what comes to mind?
Season: _________________________ Weather: ________________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you expect to see?
Predict what this place has to do with the idea of Environment?
Why/how is this place important or significant to NYC?
On the trip: This trip has 2 parts. One part is Wild Asia Jungle World, near the gate where you enter. The other part can be anywhere else in the zoo of your choice.
Part ONE: At any exhibit of your choice outside Wild Asia Jungle World, draw an animal of your choice.
Describe the habitat of this animal (the place where it lives, including plants and other animals nearby).
What are 2 facts you learned about this animal?
What makes this animal unique or interesting to you?
How has this animal or this animals habitat/environment in nature been affected by humans?
Part TWO (Wild Asia Jungle World) (at entrance)
How fast is the jungle being destroyed? ______________________________________
What 4 types of forests can make up a jungle?
Where do jungles occur? ____________________________________________________________________
(inside) Describe 2 facts about the Binturong monkey.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Describe 2 adaptations of the Matschies Tree Kangaroo that help it survive in the jungle.
(in the mangrove forest) What is this forests relationship to the sea?
Give 4 examples of plants or animals that ONLY live in mangrove forests.
What are the Ebony Langurs doing? Describe 3 activities or behaviors that you observe.
(in the rainforest) What makes a rainforest?
Describe 3 jungle products that you have in your life. What do they come from?
What are the Silver Leaf monkeys doing?
Draw a picture of the Malaysian Tapir.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Where did cats originate? _______________________________________________
How many kinds of cats live in Asia now? __________________________________
Feel the trees around you. What do you think they are made of? __________________
Describe an insect in The Unseen Multitudes: (name, color, shape, size, legs?, wings?, habitat, place its from, behavior, food, etc.)
(down at the waterfall) Describe one type of fish or turtle that you can see. What makes it different from the other types you can see?
(outside at the exit) What is the human population right now? _____________________
How many acres of rainforest are there right now? ______________________________
Which number is going up and which one down? _______________________________
Which number is changing faster? __________________________________________
What do you think that this means for the future? ______________________________
After the trip:
What did you learn from the rainforest numbers and the human population numbers outside the Wild Asia Jungle World exhibit?
Why are zoos important to people? ___________________________________________
Why might zoos be important to animals?
What information was there at the zoo or what information do you have from your own experience about human impact on the environment?
Choose one aspect from the Environment list below, and describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something about that aspect of the environment which was new to you. Possible ideas to use are: Physical setting, Wildlife, Plants, Animals, Natural history, Public health, Conservation, Money or economics, Pollution, Recycling, Sanitation, Limited resources, Parks, Reserves or use your own idea.
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about this structure:
On my trip to _____________I realized/learned some things about my environment in New York City. I learned _____________, _____________, and _____________, which all relate to (chosen aspect). These facts made me think _____________. I also felt _____________ about this aspect of the environment because _____________. Keep going!
Me, NYC, & Environment
(AMNH) Hall of New York State Environment Fieldtrip Form
Directions: Walk north up the west side of the park or take the B or C train to 81st St. Go into the North entrance on 81st St. and proceed to the Hall of New York State Environment.
Before you go:
Name _________________________________ Date _________________
When you think of the New York City Environment, what comes to mind?
Season: _________________________ Weather: ________________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you expect to see?
Predict what this place has to do with the idea of Environment?
Why/how is this place important or significant to NYC?
On the trip directions: The exercise is written from the West side of the exhibit to the East. For each display there are several questions or tasks to complete.
Geological History and Structure Describe in your own words how Stissing Mountain was formed.
When did this occur? ___________________________________________________
The Water Cycle: What is the chemical formula for water? ______________________
What role does the water table play in the water cycle?
How does deforestation impact the water cycle?
Describe two other effects of deforestation.
Glaciation: Describe what Manhattan and the other 4 boroughs of New York City might have looked like about 15,000 years ago.
Soil and Soil Conservation
Describe one method of soil conservation.
Why is soil conservation important?
Life in the Soil: Describe at least 3 harmful effects that an introduced species can have.
What are 3 differences between the woods and the farm in the display that are caused by humans living on the land?
The Apple Orchard in Dutchess County, NY
Why do apple trees sometimes have wire around their trunks?
Explain the role of a bee in an apple trees life.
Cycle of Nutrition and Decay: What is humus? ______________________________
Name 3 organisms involved in decay: _______________________________________
From Field to Lake: What is succession?
How does succession change landscapes?
What is a niche?
Why are wetlands important ecosystems?
Agriculture
When did settled agriculture become common in New York? ______________________
What resources did indigenous native forests offer to early Algonquins?
Why did agriculture decline around 1870?
After the trip: What did you learn about NY state that you didnt know before?
Summarize the relationship between water, soil, and humans (farmers or builders).
Me, NYC, & Environment
(AMNH) Hall of Biodiversity Fieldtrip Form
Directions: Walk north up the west side of the park or take the B or C train to 81st St. Go into the North entrance on 81st Street and proceed to the Hall of Biodiversity.
Before you go:
Name _________________________________ Date _________________
When you think of the New York City Environment, what comes to mind?
Season: _________________________ Weather: ________________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
Predict what this place has to do with the idea of Environment?
Why/how is this place important or significant to NYC?
On the trip: Part ONE Hall of Biodiversity
What is biodiversity?
Why is biodiversity important to an environment?
Check out the spectrum of Habitats (the wall of video screens with panels below). Fill out:
| 1 example |
% coverage |
1 benefit |
2 facts |
|
| Coral reef & coastal wetlands |
||||
| Tropical forests |
||||
| Freshwater wetland, rivers, & lakes |
||||
| Deserts |
||||
| Oceans |
||||
| Temperate & boreal forests |
||||
| Tundra |
||||
| Grasslands & savanna |
||||
| Islands |
Go to the resource center. Watch one of the tree Bio Bulletins on the small TV screens at the desks: Going to Dzanga-Sangha, Otter Splashdown, or Bringing Back the Butterfly. Write a summary of the video which is at least 4 sentences and contains at least 3 facts you learned. The videos are short you may want to watch one twice to write a good summary.
Choose one other display from the wall of animals, extinction, and biodiversity. Take a picture of it.
The animal is named ___________________________________________________
Two facts about it are
Give a summary of the display:
Walk through the Dzanga-Sangha Rainforest exhibit. What 3 countries share this rainforest? _________________________________________
What is ecotourism?
What do you think of ecotourism?
Part TWO The Milstein Hall of Ocean Life
Choose an ecosystem on the upper level. Describe it Where does it occur? Whats in it? What is unique about it?
Check out Ancient Oceans. What evidence is there that life evolved in the oceans?
Check out the animals on the lower level. If you were one of the animals in here, which would you be and why?
What facts can you find about the whale above you?
After the trip: Do you think New York City has a lot of biodiversity? Why or why not?
Why should people care about biodiversity?
What kinds of ecosystems are present around New York?
Choose one aspect from the Environment list below, and describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something about that aspect of the environment which was new to you. Possible ideas to use are: Physical setting, Wildlife, Plants, Animals, Natural history, Public health, Conservation, Money or economics, Pollution, Recycling, Sanitation, Limited resources, Parks, Reserves or use your own idea.
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about this structure:
On my trip to _____________I realized/learned some things about my environment in New York City. I learned _____________, _____________, and _____________, which all relate to (chosen aspect). These facts made me think _____________. I also felt _____________ about this aspect of the environment because _____________.
Me, NYC & the Environment
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225 - 718.623.7200
Subway Directions:
The B or Q train to Prospect Park station. (The B train does not run on weekends.)

1. Have you ever been to a public garden before and what do you expect to see today?
2. Why might public gardens and parks be important for city residents in NYC and in general?
| Name of plant |
Scientific Observations & Descriptions |
Why this plant is interesting &/or what questions you have about it. |
Me, NYC, & Environment
Portfolio Page Assignment Guide
1. Write an introduction about your feelings and thoughts about the NYC environment based on your responses to the questions from the beginning of the year before you went on any trips. Look through your Initial Thoughts assignment to help you.
2. Choose one fieldtrip that you went on that interesting to you and was related to the environment in some way.
From your environment fieldtrip assignment form, include:
A. A description of the trip: We went to destination on date during the season, on a weather day. I had/had not been there before. Before I went, I thought it would be expectations. I thought destination was related to the idea of NYC environment because predictions. I thought it was important to NYC because significance.
B. A reflection on your relationship to the NYC environment: It must include which aspect you chose to write about: Physical setting, Wildlife, Plants, Animals, Natural history, Public health, Conservation, Money or economics, Pollution, Recycling, Sanitation, Limited resources, Parks, Reserves or your own idea. Your reflection should also include a description of what you experienced and what you learned from that. Use your fieldtrip assignment form to help you.
C. Labeled photos from your trip or related images: Describe why you included them.
3. Write a conclusion explaining how your thoughts or ideas about the NYC environment have changed or developed since the beginning of your 9th grade year. You should address the following questions:
When you think of the New York City Environment, what comes to mind now that you didnt used to think about? When you move around New York City from home to school and back or on Friday field trips, what parts of the environment do you experience now that you didnt notice before? What problems does NYCs environment have that you learned about because of your trips? What are some things that people do to take care of their environments that you saw on your trips or experienced since you started taking trips?
This Section Includes:
Initial Thoughts Handout
Generic Field Trip Form
Portfolio Page Assignment Guide
Do this before your first History trip
At the beginning of the year:
What are some reminders of history you see in New York City?
How do you think our NY Experience field trips will educate you about history?
How do you think New York City has been important in creating history?
Destination: __________________________ Date:_______________________
1. Before we leave, what do you know about this topic that we are going to view?
2. How does todays trip relate to history and New York?
3. To what period in history does this trip relate?
4. What new knowledge did you learn from todays trip?
5. What are the three most impressive historical facts you learned today? Explain why you chose them. (3-4 sentences)
6. Can you relate this trip to anything significant in your life (film, music, something you learned in school)? Explain.
The Jewish History Museum
Directions The Museum is located at 1109 Fifth Avenue on the north-east corner of 92nd Street
Subway: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street. Walk west on 86th Street, turn right at 5th Avenue and proceed north to 92nd Street.

Numismatics is the study of coins and medals. Thousands of years ago, people bartered goods, services, or weights of metal for purchases. The first coins appeared ca. 600 BCE and were made by hammering silver or bronze into a mold. The design carved within the mold identified the place, date and value of the coins. It also tells a story of the time period and people when it was used.
Go to the Numismatics section of the museum ![]()
1a. Name of the first set of coins you chose ____________________________________
1b. The date in which it was made ____________________________________________
1c. A description of the coins that you are looking at: ________________________________________________
1d. How are these coins teaching us about history?____________________________
2a. Name of the second set of coins you chose: ________________________________
2b. The date in which it was made _________________________________________
2c. A description of the coins that you are looking at: __________________________________________________________________
2d. How are these coins teaching us about history???___________________________
________________________________________________
Go to the Ceremonial Art Section of the Museum
(Jewish Ceremonial Art or Judaica are works used in Jewish rituals. They range from decorations for the Torah scroll, the holiest work, to ordinary objects purchased and transformed into ceremonial art through use).
Find each of these items pictured and answer the following questions:


The Cloisters Field Trip
Fort Tyron Park, New York - (212) 923-3700
Directions: Directions: Take the mid-train A uptown to 190th St. and the elevator to the street. Turn right on the street when you get out and walk through the park and uphill to the Cloisters. There are signs.
Go to the Medieval Armour section of the museum
1. Looking at the armour in this exhibit, how would you describe this period in history? ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. If you were a knight wearing one of the suits of armour you are viewing, what problems do you think you would have?
3. Would you consider what you are viewing as art or weapons or both? Explain
Go to the Roman Art Exhibit: Go to this structure:
1. What is this structure you are viewing? ______________________________________
2. When was it made? _____________________________________________________
3. Who do you think lived here? Explain your answer.
What is painted on the walls?
Do they tell a story? Why would the owners put this on their walls?
6. Looking at the structure and the art of the Romans, how would you describe this culture?
Me, NYC & History
Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street (212) 534-1672
.By subway: Lexington Avenue #6 train to 103rd Street Station, walk three blocks west, or #2 or #3 train to 110th Street and Lenox Avenue, walk one block east to Fifth Avenue, then south to 103rd Street.

GO TO THE TOY COLLECTION!!!!!
9. Would you consider these toys as art forms? EXPLAIN
Me, NYC & History
National Museum of the American Indian
One Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004 -- (212-514-3700)
Subway Directions: Take the 1 or 9 trains to the South Ferry station or take the N or R to white Hall Street.
1) What was the original purpose of this building? Why is it a historical Landmark and how was it an important building in New York City history?
2) As you travel though out the Museum make a list of all the tribal names you can find.
3) What is one object that relates to a historical moment or historical event
| What is it? |
| What aspect of history does it relate to? |
4) What is one object that relates to something spiritual or religious?
What was this object used for?
4) Sketch on the back one item that you think was just made for aesthetic reasons (just to be art and to be beautiful) jewelry, an artistic bowl, etc,
Subway Directions: #1 or #9 subway trains stop at West 116th St. Station at Broadway. Walk six blocks north, and two blocks west.
1. What do you know about Ulysses S. Grant? Have you ever heard of him before?
2. Have do you feel about going to a place where somebody famous is buried?
3. What do you expect this place to look like?
4.When you get there, what does the architecture remind you of? What other buildings do you know look similar?
5. Any guesses on the architectural style? Describe what you see and Explain your ideas
Draw a picture of part of the building or part of the building here:
What are new facts about history and about the life of Ulysses S. Grant that you have learned today and what is your reflection about them?
Concrete Evidence |
Reflection: What does this show, explain, make you, etc.? |
| 1. |
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| 2. |
|
| 3. |
|
| 4. |
|
Me, NYC & History
World Trade Center Site and St/ Pauls Church
St. Paul's Chapel is located on Church St. between Fulton St. and Vesey St., opposite the east side of the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan.
By Subway:
2, 3 to Park Place, or 1,9,4,5 and A to Fulton St-Broadway Nassau or E to Chambers or R to Cortlandt Street

Before Trip: What do you know about the role of St Pauls Church in 9/11?
Before Trip: This is an Archive of artifacts, (kinda like a museum) a Church, AND a place where some go to reflect and remember those who died? What are some basic guidelines to follow?
History
When St. Paul's Chapel was completed in 1766, it stood in a field some distance from the growing port city to the south. It was built as a "chapel-of-ease" for parishioners who lived far from the primary, or "Mother," church. Today, St. Paul's Chapel is Manhattan's oldest public building in continuous use, and its remaining colonial church.
George Washington worshiped here on Inauguration Day, April 30, 1789, and attended services at St. Paul's during the two years New York City was the country's capital. Above his pew is an 18th-century oil painting of the Great Seal of the United States, which was adopted in 1782.
Directly across the chapel is the Governor's pew, which George Clinton, the first Governor of the State of New York, used when he visited St. Paul's. The Arms of the State of New York are on the wall above the pew.
Among other notable historical figures who worshiped at St. Paul's were Prince William, later King William IV of England; Lord Cornwallis, who is most famous in this country for surrendering at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781; Lord Howe, who commanded the British forces in New York, and Presidents Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, and George H. W. Bush.
Andrew Gautier served as master craftsman, erecting a building typical of the Georgian Classic-Revival style, and resembling London's St. Martin-in-the-Fields. St. Paul's is constructed of Manhattan mica-schist with brownstone quoins; its woodwork, carving, and door hinges are handmade.
The ornamental design of the "Glory" over the altar is the work of Pierre L'Enfant, who designed Washington, D.C. The "Glory" depicts Mt. Sinai in clouds and lightning, the Hebrew word for "God" in a triangle, and the two tablets of the Law with the Ten Commandments.
The pulpit is surmounted by a coronet and six feathers. Fourteen original cut-glass chandeliers hang in the nave and the galleries. The organ case was built in 1804.
On the Broadway side of the chapel's exterior is an oak statue of St. Paul carved in the American Primitive style. Below the east window is the monument to General Richard Montgomery, who died at the Battle of Quebec during the American Revolutionary War.
September 2001-May 2002
After the attack on September 11, 2001, which led to the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, St. Paul's Chapel served as a place of rest and refuge for recovery workers at the WTC site.
For eight months, hundreds of volunteers worked 12 hour shifts around the clock, serving meals, making beds, counseling and praying with fire fighters, construction workers, police and others. Massage therapists, chiropractors, podiatrists and musicians also tended to their needs.
Today, St. Paul's continues as an active part of the Parish of Trinity Church, holding services, weekday concerts, occasional lectures, and providing a shelter for the homeless.
(bibliography St Pauls Chapel, www.saintpaulschapel.org/about_us/, 1/14/2005)
AT the Church:
| Describe the artifact (What is it?) |
What basic information can you find out about the artifact (from the captions, etc.) |
What does it make you think, feel, wonder, imagine? |
We went to give location on date during the season. I had/had not been there before . Before I went, I thought it would be what you thought the trip would be like before you left. I thought chosen destination was related to history because this site dealt with list reasons why you think it deals with history. It is important to NYC history because list reasons again.
C. Labeled photos from your trip or related images: Include information stating why you included them in your portfolio and description of the images you included.
3. Write a conclusion explaining how your thoughts and ideas have changed your ideas about NYC History from the beginning of the year in 9th grade. These questions should be answered.
What questions do you now ask yourself when you view something of historic significance?
When travelling around NYC do you think about the history involved and if so what parts? Why didnt you notice them before?
What impact does NYC have in history from what you saw on your trips?
What were some ways in which history was presented to you on your trips? Did these different ways change the way you think of history?
Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture
This Section Includes:
Initial Thoughts Handout
Generic Field Trip Form
Portfolio Page Assignment Guide
Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture
At the beginning of the year:
When you think of the word architecture what comes to mind?
You are an architect and you are going to design a building for a company (like Sony, for instance). What are some things that you will need decide?
Why do really old buildings look so much different than newer buildings? (Consider: materials, style, uses, money)
Why do buildings in Washington Heights and Harlem look different than buildings in Midtown (around school)
What are a couple of your favorite buildings in New York City and Why ?
1.
| 2. |
Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture
Before you go:
Name ______________________ Date ______________________
Weather______________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you already know about ____________?_____________________
_____________________________________________________________
Why is this structure important?_______________________________
_____________________________________________________________
On the trip:
Note: If you have a camera, take pictures of this structure
Where are you as you write this? ___ ______________________
Describe what you can see? _______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
What are some features that you noticed as you more closely at this structure?_____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
When was this structure built?_____________________________________
Why was this structure built? _____________________________________
What is the architectural style of this structure and how do you know?____
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is this structure made of?____________________________________
After the trip:
Choose one aspect from the Architecture list below, and describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something new about it. Possible ideas are:
location
architectural features (arches, pillars, beams, window type, cornice, etc.)
purpose/function of the building
building materials/structure (brick, wood, steel frame)
architectural style
building history
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about (but do not copy) this structure:
On my trip to ____________________ I realized/learned some things
about architecture in New York City. I learned about _______________ ,
______________ , and __________________ , which all relate to (chosen
aspect). Learning about these new things made me think ______________
______________________ . I thought _________________ was interesting
because ______________________________ .
Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture
Empire State Building
Directions:
Before you go:
Name:___________________________ Date: __________________________
Weather: _________________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you already know about the Empire State Building?_____________________
________________________________________________
Why do you think this building important?__________________________________
________________________________________________
On the trip:
Note: If you have a camera, take two pictures. One: the view from the top and two: the view of the building from the bottom
Where are you as you write this? ___Observation Deck_______
Describe what you can see? How far can you see?____________________________
________________________________________________
What is the first thing that you looked for when you look out from the observation deck?
What is the architectural style of this building?________________________________
What year was this structure finished?______________________________________
How tall is this building (with the antenna)?__________________________________
What is the skeleton of this building made out of?______________________________
What is the skin or outside surface of this building made of?_____________________
___________________________________________________________________
Why is did the architects design this building to be so tall?______________
What major event happened in the United States the year that the Empire State Building was finished?
After the trip:
Choose one aspect from the Architecture list below, and describe how this trip taught you something or introduced you to something new about it. Possible ideas are:
location
architectural features (arches, pillars, beams, window type, cornice, etc.)
purpose/function of the building
building materials/structure (brick, wood, steel frame)
architectural style
building history
If you are having trouble starting your description, think about (but do not copy) this structure:
On my trip to ____________________ I realized/learned some things
about architecture in New York City. I learned about _______________ ,
______________ , and __________________ , which all relate to (chosen
aspect). Learning about these new things made me think ______________
______________________ . I thought _________________ was interesting because ______________________________
Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture
Saint John the Divine Cathedral
Before you go:
Name ______________________
Date ______________________
Weather ______________________
Have you ever been to this place before? YES / NO
What do you already know about Saint John the Divine Cathedral?______
_____________________________________________________________
Why do you think this building is important?________________________
_____________________________________________________________
On the trip:
Note: If you have a camera, take at least two pictures. One: the view from the outside and two: the view of the building from the inside
Where are you as you write this? ___ ____________________
Describe what you can see? ______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
What is the first thing that you noticed when you entered this building?______________________________________________________
When was work on this building begun? _________________________
How tall is this building?_________________________________________
What is this building made out of?__________________________________
What is the architectural style of this building?________________________
Why is did the architects design this building to be so big?______________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
for background information check out:
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/medny/stjohn1.html
HYPERLINK http://iisd1.iisd.ca/50comm/commdb/desc/d40.htm
Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture
The Flatiron Building
Directions: R or W train to 23rd Street
The Flatiron Building Also known as: Fuller Building Built: 1902
Type: Skyscraper Height: 285 feet (87 meters)
Not well known among those not from the area, or not into historic architecture, the Flatiron Building is a favorite of New Yorkers and admirers around the world. Perhaps because it symbolizes so much of how New Yorkers see themselves: Defiant, bold, sophisticated, and interesting. With just enough embedded grime and soot to highlight its details. The Flatiron's most interesting feature is its shape: a slender hull plowing up the streets of commerce as the bow off a great ocean liner plows through the waves of its domain. The apex of the building is just six feet wide, and expands into a limestone wedge adorned with Gothic and Renaissance details of Greek faces and terra cotta flowers. The building has two claims to fame: one architectural, the other cultural. Some consider the Flatiron Building to be New York City's first skyscraper. It certainly was one of the first buildings in the city to employ a steel frame to hold up its 285-foot tall facade, but not the first. Some felt its shape (like a flatiron) was less artistic and more dangerous. They thought it would fall over, and during construction the Flatiron Building was nicknamed "Burnham's Folly." The building's cultural legacy is a little more interesting and has passed into the local social consciousness as a fable. It is said that the building created unusual eddies in the wind which would cause women's skirts to fly around as they walked on 23rd street. This attracted throngs of young men who gathered to view the barelegged spectacle. Police would try to disperse these knots of heavy-breathers by calling to them, "23 Skidoo." This phrase has passed out of common usage, but its descendant, the word "scram" remains in a back corner of the American lexicon.
"...Quite the most notorious thing in New York and attracts more attention than all the other buildings now going up together...We have to congratulate the architect on the success of his detail. . . of giving appropriate texture to his walls...The manufacturer has managed exactly to match the warm yellow-gray of the limestone base in the tint of the terra cotta above."
-Architectural Record 1902
Sometimes incorrectly thought to have been the first steel skeleton building (dozens of steel framed buildings were built in New York in the 1890s), the Flatiron is an energetic mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its twenty-two stories are divided into three parts, beginning, middle and end, like a classical Greek column.
Here, rusticated limestone is uniformly detailed from ground to sky. This sheer triangular tower is only six feet wide at its rounded narrow end. The acutely angled corners give the building an exaggerated and dramatic perspective.
As the citys first "skyscraper", New Yorkers worried that it would topple over. In the over 90 years since its construction the Flatirons only problem has been that city grime has settled into the crevices of the terra cotta flowers and Grecian faces decorating the building. Even this has only served to accentuate its details.
From: http://users.commkey.net/daniel/flatiron.htm
Name:__________________
1) Look at picture below, what do you find odd or striking about this building?
2) Built in 1902, what do you think was significant about the building that made architectural engineers blush with excitement?
3) Why do you think it was called the Flatiron Building?
Ladies Mile: The Shopping Mecca of the world. 1862 1910
The Ladies' Mile began in 1862 when A. T. Stewart moved his department store into a large white Venetian cast-iron palace at 9th Street, near Grace Church. The Stewart store has been demolished, but its extension, designed by D. H. Burnham in 1902 for John Wanamaker, survives at 9th Street. That magnificent panorama of mercantile display was nicknamed "Ladies' Mile," and it remained magnificent until the century turned and retailing moved uptown.
"Suddenly I had to close my eyes because actual tears were smarting at the very nearly uncontainable thrill of being here. The Ladies' Mile was great, the sidewalks and entrances of the block after block of big glittering ladies' stores. . ."
Time and Again by Jack Finney
"All America goes to New York for its shopping, when it can...." reads an 1893 handbook. "The brightness of Broadway, the vivacity of lower Fifth Avenue, the sparkle of 23rd Street, are made up of the splendid temptations of the shop windows, and the groups of charming people who linger about them spell bound.... What are the Paris boulevards, or even Regent Street, to this magnificent panorama of mercantile display?"
The Century Building, on Broadway and 17th Street.
The Bank of the Metropolis (left), 31 Union Square West. The Union (or Decker) Building (right), 33 Union Square West.
Me, NYC & Landmarks & Architecture
Federal Hall: this is the site where George Washington was sworn in as President; where the phrase taxation without representation was born.
1.Looking through the exhibits, describe three things about the history of the building.
1.
2.
2. Illustrate the faade (front) of the building and indicate what architectural style is used for the pillars. (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian?)
New York Stock Exchange: Formed in 1792 that started with 24 stockbrokers, then housed in a rented room on 40 Wall Street, now the exchange trades shares in over 12,000 companies. It is designed using Neo-Classical architecture. Examples of this are the Greek pillars and friezes.
1. Illustrate the faade (front) of the building and indicate what architectural style is used for the pillars.
2. Look at the figures in front of the building; what do you think some of them represent?
Trinity Church: The original Trinity Church was chartered in 1697 but burned down. The present structure was consecrated on 1846 and it a great example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Look at the spires that reach up to the heavens.
1. Describe three Gothic characteristics from this church.
2. Illustrate one part of the church that you have to look up at:
Ground Zero: This is the site of the World Trade Center. In its place will be two new structures that are planned to be the worlds tallest structures. If you look down below, you will see the new temporary New Jersey PATH train station.
1. Based on your observations, what do you think they should build on this site?
2. Explain one fact after reading the placards on the World Trade Center.
3. Looking at a picture of the World Trade Center, what do you think of the buildings design?
This Section Includes:
Generic Field Trip Form
Portfolio Page Assignment Guide
Name _____________________________ Date____________________
As an entire city, New York is incredibly diverse. However, this diversity on the large scale is often in sharp contrast to the segregated nature of NYC on the neighborhood or block level. Filmmakers wrestle with (or ignore) this fact in different ways. While some movies about NYC try to show the entire city, others focus on one group or neighborhood (perhaps to the exclusion of others). As such, when watching these films, it is important to note whose NYC is being depicted, whether this depiction is fair, and what the filmmaker is trying to say in this depiction.
NOTES (Complete as you watch the film. You do not need complete sentences here)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Generic Film Form (Immediately after the film)
Name ______________________________ Date____________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. How does the filmmaker present NYC in terms of (choose two):
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
7. What does the film say about NYCs people in terms of (choose two):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name ______________________________ Date____________________
Choose one film that you have seen for New York Experience.
(Example: From Joes perspective, NYC was tough because he had no money and had to deal with racist cops all the time)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Choose one of the following two questions:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New York Experience:
For this component of the portfolio, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge about a specific topic of their interest from one of the field trip categories (Art, Architecture & Landmarks, Environment, History, Film).
This project can be in the form of a traditional short research paper (1-3 pages) accompanied with a short presentation (5 mins).
However, students can opt to focus on a more creative presentation (10-15 mins) that will not require a written paper. Students can choose to use a poster board, PowerPoint, iPhoto slideshow, or iMovie, among others.
New York Experience: Short Research Project
For this component of the portfolio, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge about a specific topic of their interest from one of the field trip categories (Art, Architecture & Landmarks, Environment, History, Film).
Students will present their research/findings to a group of peers and their advisors. Students can choose to use a poster board, PowerPoint, iPhoto slideshow, or iMovie, among other means.
The 10-15 minute presentation should adhere to the following structure:
Introduction (2 mins)
- state thesis
- brief summary of the main points that will support this thesis
- discuss why this topic was chosen (Why did this topic interest you?)
- description of research gathering (What were your sources? Where did you find them?)
- Remember, this is the students chance to get his/her audience interested in the topic- Encourage students to have a hook that captures the audiences interest
Main Points (body) (10 mins)
- The main points of the presentation (at least 3) should be clearly stated so that the audience can follow the presentation
- Each main point must be supplemented by evidence
Conclusion (3 mins)
- Briefly summarize and re-state the thesis
- Give audience insights that were formulated as a result of this research project (What did you learn?)
- State the topics relevance to New York (What is the overall importance of this topic and research to your understanding of New York City? How does this topic relate to your experience growing up in New York?)
Rubric
| Viewpoint |
Evidence |
Connections |
Style |
Mechanics |
|
| C r i t e r i a |
__ Has a clear main point: __ Intro includes a CLEAR thesis statement __Intro includes a summary of the main supporting ideas. __ Includes topic sentences stating the main points. __ Has a conclusion that reinforces main idea from thesis and main points. |
__ Supports point with evidence: __ Evidence is clearly referenced to during presentation. __ Bibliography clearly given during presentation. |
__ Main point and evidence clearly connect; parts of the whole clearly relate: __ Entire presentation makes sense together. __ Uses transitions to help the presentation flow. |
__ Well-written, easy to understand; gets to the point: __ Presented in appropriate formal academic style. __ Uses appropriate level and variety of vocabulary. __ Is interesting to listen/watch. __ Is clear and easy to understand: makes sense. |
__ Follows the conventions of standard written English: Has correct: __ Grammar. |
| 4 |
Distinguished |
Distinguished |
Distinguished |
Distinguished |
Distinguished |
| 3 |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
| 2 |
Satisfactory |
Satisfactory |
Satisfactory |
Satisfactory |
Satisfactory |
| 1 |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Minimal |
| 0 |
Unsatisfactory |
Unsatisfactory |
Unsatisfactory |
Unsatisfactory |
Unsatisfactory |
Research Topics: Me, NYC, & Art
Choose any artist whose work you have seen this year (or any artist who makes NYC their home) and research their history or contribution to their art form.
Painter?
Sculptor?
Musician?
Visual Artist?
Performer?
other
ART FORMS
Sculpture styles
Painting styles
Tapestry styles
Music styles
Murals
Graffiti
other
ART MOVEMENTS
Harlem Renaissance
Italian Renaissance
Jazz/ blues
Impressionism
Cubism
other
ART SCENES
Choose any country or region or place that was important in an art movement in history.
Choose a neighborhood in NYC that was/is important to an art movement.
Choose a gallery and research its collection or its own history.
Choose a museum and describe its role in the art world and its important collections.
other
Me, NYC, & Environment
(2-3 Pages)
NEW YORK CITY PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Central Park
Why are there skyscrapers only in certain parts of Manhattan?
Wild Animals in Central Park
The East River Estuary
Long Island Sound
How were Manhattan and Long Island formed?
HUMAN IMPACT ON NEW YORK CITYS ENVIRONMENT
Building Coney Island Beach
The UN-Islanding of Coney Island
Pollution in the East River or the Hudson River
Waste Management in Manhattan
High Rates of Asthma in Harlem
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES IN NEW YORK CITY
The Museum of Natural History
The New York Aquarium
Harlem Environmental Impact Project
New York City Audubon Society
Save the Sound
Friends of Jerome Park Reservoir
The Central Park Conservancy
For a further list of New York Eco-Groups as research topics or as resources go to http://www.eco-usa.net/orgs/ny.shtml
Possible Research Topics
(2-3 Pages)
Prohibition in New York City
The History of the New York Yankees or Mets
or any New York City sports team
19th century immigration to New York City
Ellis Island and its role in New York City History
The New York City Subway its role on how it shaped New York City
The Native Americans of New York City their lives before the founding of New York City
Geographical and Economic Significance of New York City
Who was Peter Stuyvesant?
The founding of Manhattan or any of the five boroughs of New York City
History of Chinatown, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, Harlem or any neighborhood in NYC
Who was John D. Rockefeller or Andrew Carnegie?
History of Wall Street or the New York Stock Exchange
New York City as the first capital of the United States Come up with your own topic and clear it with your advisor!

(This needs to be made into a Presentation!)
- State: the name of the film, the director, the year it was made, and the setting.
- Research the director and write a one to two paragraph description of her or him. (Quote, paraphrase, and cite appropriately using at least two sources.)
- Write a brief (one paragraph) summary of the film.
- Research at least two reviews of the movie and compare and contrast the opinions expressed in each. You should try to use reviews that have different opinions from each other. (Quote, paraphrase, and cite appropriately using at least two sources.)
- In a brief paragraph, describe what some of your friends thought of the film.
Part III: What you thought of the film
- Write your own review of the film: Be sure to explain not just what you thought of the film, but also, how good of a job you think it did in depicting New York City.
- Explain how the film relates to your own experience of New York City.
- Choose one of the following questions as a guide for a one paragraph conclusion:
Is this film a good guide to New York City?
o If you had never been to NYC and this was all that you knew about the city, would you want to live/visit here? Why, or why not?
o As a New Yorker, are you proud or ashamed of the NYC in the movie; is this a fair representation of NYC and is this a side of the city you would want to tell about?
o Imagine that you are away at college and you become friends with someone who has never been to NYC, would you want him or her to see this film in order to learn more about your NYC?
After you have completed all the parts for your New York Experience Exhibition, pat yourself on the back and sit back for a moment. Youve just done a lot of work and had a lot of experiences!
How have all these experiences, thoughts and ideas affected you? What should the reader of your New York Experience Exhibition know about your before the read your portfolio? What should they understand about the different parts of your work? How do they connect?
Write a cover letter to the reader of your portfolio. What should the reader know about you and how you related to your surroundings before, during and after New York Experience? Why have you chosen the particular topics in your filed trips and your research presentation?
Introduction: Who am I?
(This section may be a paragraph or longer, depending on the writer).
For your introduction, let the reader know who you are? Whats your personality like and how did you first feel about all these trips and Landmark.
How and where did you grow up? Did this affect your feelings about NYC? Where you curious, bored, excited, fearful, apathetic, enthusiastic, pessimistic, optimistic, etc.?
Body: What Should the Reader Know?
(This section may be a paragraph or longer, depending on the writer)
Let the reader know what they are about to see. Why have you chosen the particular topics in your filed trips and your research presentation? Why were these topics important or interesting to you?
Conclusion: How has Participating in NYC Experience Changed you or Affected you? What have you Learned?
(This section may be a paragraph or longer, depending on the writer)
At this point, describe how you have changed after almost 2 years of field trips and research? How have your perceptions of NYC, art, history, the environment, film, landmarks and architecture changed or expanded? How has exploring and studying the city changed you as a person and as a student?
Even though this should be one of the last things you write, this cover letter should be the first page of your exhibition, after the abstract.